Doohickie

I use to get the hives when I was younger. I'm glad I grew out of that and I never want to see them again.

Once again you can get 4 free covid tests from the gubmint while supplies last. https://special.usps.com/testkits

So this was the first live action I've seen of the Sabres this preseason. I thought it was pretty entertaining. The Amerks in blue & gold definitely had something to prove, and I was impressed by their harried approach to defense: They just attack the puck and don't give up until they get it back. But just as impressive is that they covered for each other while doing it, so that if they did lose the battle they weren't totally exposed defensively. In the offensive zone they were puck hogs, simply taking it away from the Ottawa players in board scrums, and having someone nearby to chip it to. If the real Sabres play like this, it's gonna be a fun season.

I wonder if CO would take Byram and a first for him? 😞

Oh, you mean OT Winnah and Corporal Clutch?

fify I really think that's what it is. We've had a lot of quality draft picks over the past several years. We had a top notch developmental coach who, well, developed a lot of those prospects, as well as the young NHLers that didn't have proper development under the old system. If you consider that the HC sets the tone for the NHL and the AHL teams, Granato did a creditable job of bringing out the talent in the players and urging them to play to their talents without stressing too much about mistakes. Now the new/returning HC is setting the tone in a different way, and that's how to use the talent you have to achieve your aims. That with ability you also need hustle; with smooth skating you also need grit, that you play for the team, not just for yourself. It's focusing that developed talent toward a brand of hockey that will, hopefully, get this team back into the playoffs. The team seems to be reacting well to Ruff, but Ruff also seems to be reinvigorated now that he's back with the Sabres. It couldn't have always been Ruff; he needed to go when he did. But now the team is ready for him and he is ready for the team. I was skeptical that Ruff would be the Ruff of old, but I'm starting to see indications that he's all that and more. I'm starting to look forward to this season.

Gritty is the ultimate sports mascot, but Tooth isn't so bad. He's growing on me. I've also noticed that when they do mascot group activities, Sabretooth and Gritty are frequently in cahoots.

He's the oldest 24-year-old I know. Then move on and pick another team to root for.

The Sabres always trade their captains.

Pads too. Hilarious.

What a goal! Östlund! The broadcaster said the same thing!

He came from Hufflepuff I think.

Now if you want to talk about stadium anthems, I really like Seven Nations Army and through that song I was introduced to Jack White; I'm not always crazy about his signing voice but the musicality of is songs is fantastic and I've got several of albums on my "to buy" list. But I'm already baptized, thanks. 😉

Yeah... to continue the comparison to houses of worship, when I see people happily singing along to Mr. Brightside I feel like a Catholic who just wandered into a Baptist service. I definitely feel like an outsider.

I mean, Tragically Hip was after my time, and not living up north I didn't really get exposed to them, but I can listen to them and enjoy their music. The Killers... not so much. They're not bad but they're not for me.

Quite possible.

ESPN+ is showing this game in their lineup for tonight. Might be my first chance to catch some preseason (AHL) action.

I kind of find it repulsive. I know a lot of people like it; I tried to see what all the fuss was about and I just kinda go EW. Maybe generational or something.

Blockbuster trade for a top six winger incoming!

In my experience, US -> Europe was a tough adjustment, and Korea -> US was a tough adjustment Europe -> US and US -> Korea were much easier.

Considering 1/2 of the Sabres D are former #1, #1, and #4 overalls, and about 1/3 - 1/2 of the F's are 23 or younger, and both goalies are 25 (26?) or younger it seems we generally are used to really young guys being in really major roles. But a guy from literally the end of the 1st round not being a full time NHLer in only his 2nd pro season (and he had ~1/2 a season up on the big club last year) on a team that's already too young starting the year in the AHL doesn't make him a bust. RYAN JOHNSON WILL BE FINE.

Have you traveled internationally? Much easier going east-to-west. Since you're chasing the sun, so to speak, the first day is a very long day, and you can spend that extra time sleeping it off without going too hard against your circadian rhythm. Going west-to-east is a short day and flights often fly overnight. After an abbreviated sleep you land just as the sun rises. Even if you have the time to sleep, your body's circadian rhythm is messed up bigly and it's hard to sleep for even a few hours. My international travel is somewhat limited; perhaps @Wyldnwoody44 can verify/expand on that, when he's not managing a hospital department full of meth and trauma.

I dunno, but I really don't like the song much.